Vol. 72 No. 4
GEORGIA
July 2010
FARM BUREAU NEWS
The Voice of Georgia Farmers
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table of
contents july 2010
departments we, the farmers PAGE 4
legislative update PAGE 5
commodities update PAGE 10
around georgia
PAGE 20
public relations staff
Paul Beliveau Director Jennifer Whittaker Editor
Lillian Davis Publications/Advertising Manager
Jay Stone Print/Web Specialist
Denny Moore TV Producer/Anchor
Rick Treptow Senior Radio-TV Specialist
Michael Edmondson Web/Video Manager
Mark Wildman Radio-TV Specialist
Dean Wood Radio-TV Specialist
Ryan Naquin Radio-TV Specialist
Vickie Amos Office Coordinator For questions about your membership or member benefits, call 1-800-633-5432. For questions regarding editorial content call 478-474-0679, ext. 5334 or e-mail jawhittaker@gfb.org For questions regarding advertising contact Hurst and Associates, Inc., 1-800-397-8908 Visit the GFB Web site today! www.gfb.org
Georgia Farm Bureau News
GFB 8TH District shows off variety on farm tour Farm Bureau members who went on the annual GFB Farm Tour had the chance to see unique farming operations and agribusinesses such as the processing of potatoes at Black Gold in Hawkinsville that are used to make Lay’s Potato Chips. PAGE 6
GFB Art & Essay contest winners announced You’ll find the drawings of the top three winners of the GFB Art Contest on page 8. You can read the winning essay by Rachael Childers page 9.
International demand driving pecan market Georgia pecan producers are exploring ways to increase demand for their crop by marketing it abroad. PAGE 12
Premise liability 102: Do you have adequate insurance coverage?
This is the second in a series of articles exploring the issue of premise liability. This article looks at liability issues agritourism operators face and the importance of proper insurance coverage. PAGE 15
Sept. 30 deadline to buy Pasture, Rangeland & Forage Crop Insurance for 2011 The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) recently announced that the Pasture, Rangeland and Forage Rainfall Index (PRF RI) Pilot Insurance Program will be offered in Georgia for the 2011 crop year. GFB is teaming up with crop insurance company Rain and Hail to offer PRF coverage. PAGE 17
Ga. pork producers hold annual conference The annual Georgia Pork Producers Meeting included updates from UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Dean Scott Angle, UGA animal science faculty and National Pork Board representatives. PAGE 18
GFB members learn about ag promotion & farm safety Georgia Farm Bureau members who attended the GFB Education Leadership Conference returned home with new ideas for promoting agriculture in their communities and ways to make their farms better prepared for an emergency. PAGE 23
on the cover (Photo by Jennifer Whittaker) This scenic shot was taken at the Greene County family farm of GFB 4th District Young Farmer Chairs Nancie and Charlie Sanders. The Sanders farm with her parents Barry and Teresa Churchwell, brother Dustin and sister-in-law Amanda and grandfather R.A. Moore. July 2010 / 3
we, the Photo by Jon Huffmaster
farmers Zippy Duvall, GFB President
The Day is at Hand
The phrase “The day is at hand,” can imply there is a deadline to meet or can refer to the dawning of a new day and the light, goodness and justice that a new day can bring. For Georgia agriculture, the day is at hand as our state prepares to elect new officials this fall. For Georgia Farm Bureau, the day is at hand as your organization continues to spread the good news about our industry. I recently had the honor to visit with Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle to express GFB’s appreciation for their support of agriculture and our concerns with the impact tax and water planning will have on it. I specifically expressed Farm Bureau’s concerns about HB 1405, which created the Council on Tax Reform and Fairness to study Georgia’s tax laws and make recommendations to the Georgia General Assembly by January. The findings of this Council will shape any future tax bills the General Assembly considers as it looks for ways to balance our state budget. I encouraged Speaker Ralston and Lt. Gov. Cagle to consider filling one of their appointments to the council with a farmer. The speaker had already chosen his two appointees, but the lieutenant governor asked me to recommend farmers to serve on the council. I discussed this opportunity with your Georgia Farm Bureau vice presidents, and we recommended three GFB members. We are very proud that Lt. Gov. Cagle appointed McDuffie County Farm Bureau Vice President Skeetter McCorkle, who is a long-time Farm Bureau member. Skeetter has a very good understanding of agriculture and a great appreciation for Georgia Farm Bureau. He understands
how important the sales tax exemptions currently in place for agriculture are to us. I want to thank Lt. Gov. Cagle for appointing someone to represent agriculture, the state’s largest industry, to this council, and I want to thank Skeetter for serving in this capacity. Another way that Georgia Farm Bureau is working to retain agriculture’s sales tax exemptions is by joining forces with other state ag organizations and business groups to form the Coalition for a Competitive Georgia to support tax policies that will ensure Georgia businesses remain competitive. Speaker Ralston and I also discussed the vacancy left on the board of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District after the death of Jack Elkins. I asked him to consider appointing one of the farmers we recommended for this position. Speaker Ralston recently announced he had appointed Tim Thoms from Fayette County to fill the spot. I really appreciate Speaker Ralston for working with us to ensure agriculture has a presence on this important water planning board. If you communicate with either Cagle or Ralston, please thank them for working with Farm Bureau to ensure agriculture is represented in both the tax and water processes. As the November election draws closer, the day is at hand for picking Georgia’s next leaders. I commend those counties who have hosted political forums and met with candidates because all politics are local. I encourage counties that didn’t hold a forum before the July primary to do so before November. Now is the time to educate the candidates about agriculture and how important it is to every See WE, THE FARMERS page 11
Pictured above, GFB President Zippy Duvall meets with Georgia House Speaker David Ralston. 4 / July 2010
GEORGIA
FARM BUREAU NEWS
The Voice of Georgia Farmers
SUBSCRIPTION RATES Farm Bureau Members: Included in dues — $1 per year Non-Members — $15 per year To subscribe call 1-800-898-1911, ext. 5238. OFFICERS President ZIPPY DUVALL 1st Vice President/South Georgia Vice President GERALD LONG North Georgia Vice President BERNARD SIMS Middle Georgia Vice President ROBERT FOUNTAIN Treasurer/Corporate Secretary Wayne Daniel General Counsel DUKE Groover
DIRECTORS FIRST DISTRICT: J. Louis Hunt, LaFayette; Henry J. West, Rydal SECOND DISTRICT: Bobby Gunter, Dahlonega; Randy Ruff, Elberton THIRD DISTRICT: George Chambers, Carrollton; Nora Goodman, Temple FOURTH DISTRICT: Marvin Ruark, Bishop; William Hutchins, Winder FIFTH DISTRICT: Jim Ham, Smarr; Ralph Adamson Jr., Barnesville SIXTH DISTRICT: James Emory Tate, Denton; James Malone, Dexter SEVENTH DISTRICT: Ben Boyd, Sylvania; Gennis Folsom, Glennville EIGHTH DISTRICT: Phil Redding, Bluffton; Don Wood, Rochelle NINTH DISTRICT: Paul Shirah, Camilla; Lucius Adkins, Elmodel TENTH DISTRICT: David Lee, Alma; Daniel Johnson, Alma YOUNG FARMER CHAIRMAN: Matt Bottoms, Molena WOMEN’S COMMITTEE CHAIR: Cathy Barber, Alma ADVERTISING POLICY All advertising accepted subject to publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume liability for content of their advertising. Publisher maintains right to cancel advertising for non-payment or reader complaint about advertiser service or products. Publisher does not accept per-order, political or alcoholic beverage ads, nor does publisher prescreen or guarantee advertiser service or products. Publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised in the Georgia Farm Bureau News. For advertising rates and information, contact Hurst and Associates, Inc., P.O. Box 6011, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, 1-800-397-8908. Georgia Farm Bureau News was established in 1937. Copyright 2010 by the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation. Printed by Panaprint, Macon, Georgia.
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Georgia Farm Bureau News
legislative update Jon Huffmaster, Legislative Director
Don’t miss election year opportunities This year is one of the most active election years in recent memory. Hopeful candidates are eager to listen to constituents, and this environment offers a unique chance to discuss the issues. Farm Bureau members should seize the opportunity. Major issues will affect farmers in the next couple of years. Candidates should hear about our concerns now – before they are elected. Here are some of the issues candidates will have to address at the state level.
Sales Tax Exemptions
The General Assembly passed House Bill 1405 this year, which authorizes the creation of a special council to study Georgia’s tax structure and make recommendations for changes. A special committee of legislators may then introduce legislation to make the changes recommended by the special council. Georgia’s entire tax code is under review. Particular scrutiny is being focused on the hundreds of sales tax exemptions the state gives. Many of these exemptions are for farm inputs such as seed, feed, fertilizer, chemicals, equipment and other production inputs. Loss of these exemptions would be disastrous for Georgia farmers. The additional sales tax would devastate the average farmer’s balance sheet. For example, a 300-cow dairy could easily spend $750,000 in annual feed costs. A seven percent sales tax would amount to $52,500 each year! A 500acre corn or peanut farm would incur additional costs of at least $13,000 per year; cotton $11,000; soybeans $8,000. If poultry growers were to lose the sales tax exemption for the fuel or electricity they use in their operations, production costs are expected to increase by an average of $700 per chicken house per year. It would be impossible for many Georgia farmers to absorb increased cash expenditures of that magnitude without any corresponding increase in assets or efficiency Georgia Farm Bureau News
to offset the loss. Candidates for the Georgia General Assembly need to know about this issue, and they need to hear about it from voters – the people who will one day be their constituents.
Cooperative Extension Service, Research & 4-H
During this year’s General Assembly, there was talk of shuttering agricultural research facilities, closing half of all Cooperative Extension Service offices and dropping the 4-H program altogether. Due to public outcry, everybody distanced themselves from these proposals in short order, and money was eventually budgeted for these programs or items. However, the Cooperative Extension Service budget has been cut by about 20 percent in the last two years. These cuts are forcing university officials to decide how they can reduce operating expenses by closing some county Extension offices and reducing research expenses. Without agricultural research, Georgia producers will not have access to plant and forage varieties that perform best in Georgia. Candidates need to hear from Farm Bureau members that ongoing agricultural research is a positive use of tax dollars.
Immigration
Immigration is one of the most emotionally charged and divisive issues in the country. Farm Bureau supports neither illegal immigration nor amnesty for illegal immigrants. We call on Congress to address the problem of illegal immigration at the federal level. Immigration is a national issue that requires a national response. Immigration laws can be problematic at the state level. A patchwork of laws that differ between states could make legal immigrant workers unavailable. Of course, some immigration opponents might herald that outcome as a victory, but it would be catastrophic for large
segments of Georgia agriculture. Without immigrant labor, growers of Georgia peaches, Vidalia onions and other laborintensive crops would be hard-pressed to stay in business. Members of the General Assembly must recognize that immigration is much more complicated than simply passing a state law to fix it. As a national issue, it requires national reform to be effective. Farm Bureau members can help by being the voice of reason on this issue.
Water
No other segment of Georgia’s economy is more dependent on timely access to water than agriculture. Farmers irrigate to manage drought risk, but it’s expensive. To pay for the investment, irrigated crops are planted at higher populations and are more intensely managed than the same crops planted on non-irrigated land. In hot, dry weather, a single day’s delay in watering can make a tremendous difference in yield. A week’s delay can mean the loss of an entire crop. Farmers must have timely access to water. Farmers manage water wisely by embracing technology and systems to increase water conservation and storage while reducing use. To a farmer, water is money. Irrigation systems cost thousands of dollars to purchase and operate. Every time the pump is turned on, the farmer pays in terms of time, equipment and energy costs. Future legislators need to hear this story from Farm Bureau members. The reason we hold elections is for the electorate to express its wishes to those seeking office. Candidates will never be more willing to listen than they are before they are elected. Don’t miss this opportunity to speak up for agriculture and find out where the candidates stand on these issues that will impact the future of Georgia agriculture. Jon Huffmaster is director of the GFB Legislative Department. July 2010 / 5
GFB 8th District shows off variety Article & photos by Jay Stone ___________________________________ The 2010 GFB Farm Tour showcased some of the state’s major crops and took 150 Farm Bureau members off the beaten agricultural path. Tour participants learned about aquaculture and power generation and got a firsthand look at the potato harvest during the two-day bus tour on June 11 and 12. “It’s good fellowship, good food and great agriculture,” said GFB President Zippy Duvall. “Our members are interested in the products being grown and new technologies.” The tour gave participants a chance to see agricultural operations not found in their areas of the state. The Black Gold potato processing plant in Hawkinsville takes potatoes from 1,300 acres of nearby farmland and prepares them for shipment to Frito-Lay’s plant in Kathleen in neighboring Houston County. According to Black Gold Farm Manager Jimmy DeLoach, the entire process, from field to potato-chip bag, takes just four hours. “I just didn’t know that these potatoes are in Georgia,” said tour participant Pat Bulloch of Talbot County. “It makes me proud of Georgia. That’s why I love these trips.” The tour participants learned about the programs offered by the Georgia National
Members of the GFB Young Farmer Committee who helped with the 2010 Farm Tour were: (front row from left) Dawn Hall, Heather Culpepper and Melissa Bottoms and (back row from left) Wesley Hall, William Culpepper, Committee Chairman Matt Bottoms and Cory Tyre.
Fairgrounds and Agricenter, which has played host to more than 4,700 events since opening in 1990, drawing more than 15 million visitors to Perry. The group got a tram tour around the orchards and facilities of the William L. Brown Farm in Montezuma, where Howard and Kim Brown produce various
Research biochemist Dr. Phat Dang (center) discussed the genetic modification work being done at the National Peanut Research Laboratory in Terrell County. 6 / July 2010
row crops along with peaches and pecans, which they sell in their roadside market off Highway 49. In addition to fresh produce, they offer a wide array of gourmet foods and home decorating items. A visit at the National Peanut Research Lab (NPRL) in Dawson highlighted research on irrigation, planting, harvesting, storage, use of environmental and financial resources and control of aflatoxin. The tour included a visit to one of the lab’s plots where peanut embryos are removed and planted without the rest of the nut. A visit to the 80-year-old dam at Lake Blackshear operated by Crisp County Power allowed a first-hand look at how hydroelectric power is generated. At Owen & Williams Fish Farm, the state’s largest privately owned fish hatchery, the farm tourists saw fish at various stages of their development. The Farm Tour also included visits to the roadside markets at Calhoun Produce in Ashburn, watermelon fields at Jackson Farms in Cordele and Ellis Brothers Pecans in Vienna. To view more photos from the tour visit the GFB Facebook page at http://www. facebook.com/GeorgiaFarmBureau. Georgia Farm Bureau News
on farm tour
The tour included a tram ride around the William L. Brown Farm in Montezuma.
By the numbers
15 million people have visited the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry since it opened in 1990.
12 Ph.D. scientists are on staff at the National Peanut Research Laboratory in Dawson.
4 hours elapse from the time potatoes are harvested from Black Gold’s farms in
Pulaski County until they are processed and bagged at Frito-Lay’s potato chip plant in Kathleen.
8 Number of U.S. fish hatcheries for sterile grass carp, one of which is Owen & Williams Fish Farm in Hawkinsville.
The back side of the Lake Blackshear Dam, which has been used to generate power for Crisp County since 1930.
80-Years the hydroelectric dam at Lake Blackshear has been producing electricity.
Georgia Farm Bureau News
He started in 2005 with Farm Bureau in the Commodities Department as a commodity specialist working with the Certified Farm Market Program and for the last three years has worked as the young farmer coordinator. Lucas grew up on his family’s farm in Bleckley County. Prior to beginning his career with Farm Bureau, he worked in retail with a focus in training, marketing and advertising. Andy and his wife Kandace, a firstgrade teacher at Bleckley County Primary School, have a 5-year-old daughter, Lacy Kate, and are members of Salem Baptist Church in Cochran. Evans, who has worked as a commodity specialist in the GFB Commodi-
ties Department since September 2007, holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications from the University of Georgia. He will be directly responsible for working with the GFB State Young Farmer Committee and coordinating GFB Young Farmer programs. Evans A native of Cochran, Evans is engaged to Shanna Oliver, also of Cochran, who is pursuing a career in occupational therapy. They are members of First Baptist Church in Cochran.
Photo by Lili Davis
Andy Lucas has been promoted to the position of associate director in the Georgia Farm Bureau Field Services Department, while Jed Evans moves into the role of state young farmer coordinator. Lucas, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Organization Behavior Lucas from Mercer University, has served as the GFB young farmer coordinator for the past three years. In his new position, he’ll be responsible for leadership development and training.
Photo by Lili Davis
Lucas, Evans move into new positions at GFB
July 2010 / 7
GFB art contest winners announced
Art by Grace Halverson, 4th District and state winner (Richmond County).
Art by Rachel Watson, 2nd District winner (Stephens County). 8 / July 2010
Grace Halverson, from Richmond County, won the 16th Annual Georgia Farm Bureau Art Contest. Halverson won the state prize of $250 and $75 for winning the GFB 4th District contest. Grace, the daughter of Justin and Nancy Halverson, was an 11th-grade student at Westminster School of Augusta when she drew her artwork earlier this year. Thao Huynh, of Monroe County in the 5th District, and Rachel Watson, of Stephens County in GFB’s 2nd District, were named the state runners-up in the contest. Thao, the daughter of Hau Hoang and Ha Huynh, was a senior at Mary Persons High School when she created her artwork. Rachel, the daughter of Kevin and Gail Watson, was a senior at Stephens County High School when she drew her picture. Watson and Huynh each received $150 cash plus their $75 district award. The GFB Women’s Committee annually coordinates the contest in conjunction with county Farm Bureau Women’s Committees for the purpose of encouraging Georgia high school students to creatively explore Georgia agriculture. The contest is open to any student in 9th-12th grade. There were 57 entries statewide. The other district winners were: 1st District, Ginger Odum, Cherokee County; 3rd District, Anthony Lee, Clayton County; 6th District, Paige McDaniel, Jones County; 7th District, Ty Gilmore, Emanuel County; 8th District, Aimey Chun, Lee County; 9th District, Jay Jones, Decatur County; and 10th District, Kelsey Graham, Irwin County.
Art by Thao Huynh, 5th District winner (Monroe County). Georgia Farm Bureau News
GFB announces essay contest winner Tift County student Rachael Childers is the 2010 GFB Essay Contest winner. She was a 7th grade student at Tiftarea Academy when she wrote her essay earlier this year. Childers received a $150 cash prize for winning the state contest and received $75 for being the GFB 9th District winner. She is the daughter of Ben and Tonya Tanner. The GFB Women’s Committee annually coordinates the contest for students in 6th8th grades in conjunction with county Farm Bureau Women’s Committees. Essay contest participants answered the question, “How many hats does a farmer wear?” A district winner was selected from each of GFB’s 10 districts, and the state winner was selected from the district winners. Essay entries were judged on clarity of thought and creativeness. Other district winners in the essay contest were: 1st District, Makayla Holmes, Gordon County; 2nd District, Randi Slizewski, Jackson County; 3rd District, Jacob Few, Carroll County; 4th District, David Peterman II, Taliaferro County; 5th District, Katie Ann Sanders, Monroe County; 6th District, Carli Dennis, Dodge County; 7th District, Lauren Rhoney, Candler County; 8th District, Meghan Hogan, Lee County; and 10th District, Charley Elizabeth Mayfield, Cook County.
How many hats does a farmer wear?
By Rachael Childers “How many hats does a farmer wear?” This is a question that many may ponder at some time or another. Farmers often wear many hats at one time. Some may include the hat of a horticulturist, an agronomist, a financial planner, a weatherman, a mechanic, a welder, a boss-man, a church go-er, a husband, and a dad. As a horticulturist, a farmer determines which crops he will plant in a growing season. To do this well, he must also wear the hat of an agronomist, one who studies the soil and weeds in order to prepare the dirt for crop growth. To be successful with this, he must also wear the hat of a student, learning about chemicals to use on his crops that are efficient and Georgia Farm Bureau News
safe. As a student, he earns credits and chemical certification to allow him to purchase what he needs. In order to purchase the variety of products needed to farm, a farmer must also wear the hat of financial planner. He must have a budget, most likely a line of credit to purchase with, and use checks and balances to ensure that he has the funding he needs for the season. Along with purchasing seed and chemicals, he also must have appropriate equipment and workers to help. It helps to wear the mechanic’s hat when purchasing equipment. Mechanics are knowledgeable about a great many types of machinery. Mechanics are able to determine whether or not used equipment is in good working shape and able to take care of mechanical problems with equipment as they occur, whether in the mid-summer heat or the freezing winter winds. Sometimes he must also wear the hat of a welder in order to repair broken equipment. Wearing these different hats helps him in the area of financial planning by saving him large amounts of service charges. A farmer must also wear the hat of the boss man, teaching his employees what to do, how to do, and when to do a variety of jobs in the fields. He must be organized in order to plan his day. Most importantly, when wearing the boss’ hat, he must be kind and fair to each of his employees.
The farmer must also wear the hat of a weatherman. He must continually watch the weather to know the conditions surrounding his crops. If the weather is dry, he must determine whether to irrigate or wait for rain. At this time he is also wearing all those other hats to determine how the crops are growing, if the soil is too dry, if the bugs are attacking, if the weeds are growing and smothering the plants, whether the workers are completing their jobs properly, checking equipment to be certan it is running correctly, and more. A farmer also wears the helmet of God, trusting that God will provide the needed rain, sunshine, soil, and opportunity for it all to come together to produce a healthy crop that will provide food and clothing for people around the world. Lastly, a farmer often wears the hat of a husband and daddy. When he is done with a full day’s work, he puts on the hat of husband and daddy. As a husband, he has many responsibilities. He is the head of the home. He sets good examples for his children by walking the walk that matches his talk. He takes charge when times are tough. He provides food, clothing, and shelter for his family. He is there to hug, hold, and protect his family and to keep one safe and warm on a cold and stormy night. These are just a few of the many hats that a farmer wears. What I appreciate most is that my dad, a farmer, wears these many hats!
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commodities/marketing update Jed Evans
Livestock prices up as producers deal with industry issues Year-to-date, we have seen a much different year in livestock agriculture than we had in 2009. The primary difference has been seen in the markets, where live and feeder cattle prices, milk prices and pork prices have been up from 2009. Although we continue to face some of the same issues that we’ve seen in years past, lower feed and fuel costs coupled with better market prices have made these battles more bearable. The swine industry is the area where we have seen the best news market wise. May 2010 showed the best profits for pork producers in nearly three years. Operating loan balances for hog farmers are coming down, and producers have finally had the chance to get some improvement in their working capital. We are still not at the level we would like to be, but we at least seem to be headed in the right direction. The same is true for the dairy industry. While Southeast producers are still facing difficult issues and working within very thin margins, the overall price of milk has been up from last year. The dairy industry continues to discuss ways to improve price support, and these talks will only intensify as we near the 2012 Farm Bill. Supply management continues to be a topic of increasing interest among dairymen. These discussions have produced healthy dialogue throughout the industry as our farmers work hard to make the industry they love more profitable. Beef cattle producers are seeing better prices, too. Prices on the Mercantile Exchange are up from this time last year. Although they fell back in May and June, live cattle futures remain above 90 cents, while feeders are still above the $1.10 mark. Plenty of rain this spring provided green pastures, and the hay crop in Georgia should be one of the better ones we have seen in some time. Hopefully, we won’t have to put out feed as early as we did in 2008 or 2009. Lower fuel and fertilizer costs have also been a welcome relief for our cattlemen. The good news we have seen in the 10 / July 2010
markets can be somewhat offset by other battles livestock producers continue to face. Animal welfare continues to be on the forefront of every farmer’s mind. Farmers in Georgia are working hard to provide us with the safest, healthiest food supply in the world and to educate consumers about how their food is grown. That said, organizations like the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) are still pushing their agendas forward in an attempt to end animal agriculture. Farmers and agricultural organizations are fighting hard to combat these attacks by teaching consumers how livestock is raised and the science behind the production management techniques we use. Efforts are also being made to make consumers aware of the nutritional benefits of eating meat. This is an issue we must continue to work on and be mindful of, but we can also be proud of our industry and the efforts that have been made. Another issue that remains a big concern to Georgia livestock producers is the shortage of large animal veterinarians. Some counties don’t even have one farm animal vet to service their farms. In an effort to increase the number of large animal vets across Georgia, the University of Georgia started the Food Animal Vet Incentive Program (FAVIP), which each year allows five students to enter the College of Agriculture and Environmental
Sciences to study Animal and Dairy Sciences with the opportunity to enter the UGA Vet School at the end of their degree program. The fourth class of FAVIP students will enroll at UGA this fall. Georgia Farm Bureau strongly supports this program, and we are grateful for the aid this program will provide. However, we still need more large animal vets, and this will continue to be an area of ongoing focus for GFB. Antitrust and competition rules have made a big splash in the world of agriculture in recent weeks, specifically in the poultry and swine industries. The USDA has recently announced a plan that will protect livestock and poultry farmers from unfair or retaliatory practices of meat processors. This is welcome news to all livestock producers, and both GFB and American Farm Bureau are very proud of this plan. One of the best aspects of the proposed rules is the fact that hog and poultry producers will be protected when asked by companies to make extensive capital upgrades. Overall, things are better in the livestock industry than they were a year ago, but we must be aware of the challenges livestock producers continue to face. That is why it is more important now than ever before that farmers be active members of Georgia Farm Bureau so that our organization can continue to make sure the voice of Georgia agriculture is heard. Georgia Farm Bureau News
Georgia Farm Bureau News
Photo by Tas Smith
WE, THE FARMERS from page 4 Georgian and the communities we live in. We need to reach out to both parties because we are a bipartisan organization. The candidates need to understand that everyone has to have food to eat whether they are a Democrat, Republican or Independent. If we, the farmers, don’t advocate for agriculture, no one else will. Several of the gubernatorial candidates from both parties have met with me to discuss the major issues facing our state and the ramifications these issues have for agriculture. I’ve enjoyed meeting with the candidates and discussing the importance of agriculture to Georgia’s economy. Gov. Perdue has been a tremendous friend to agriculture, and I look forward to working with our next governor to continue the viability of our industry. On this note, I recently accompanied Gov. Perdue and 48 other Georgians on a trade trip to Cuba. I came home with a greater appreciation for our country and our way of life. I know things are tough here with the economy, but we are so blessed. Cuba holds great potential as a market for Georgia ag products. Georgia’s capability to produce food and the ports along our coast position our state to be a major player in providing products to the Cuban people. Congress is considering a bill that would relax restrictions on trade and travel to Cuba. I hope our leaders will make decisions that allow Georgia agriculture to increase our exports. This would be good for Georgia’s economy and agriculture. Romans 13:12 tells us, “The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” This scripture references God’s plan of salvation and is a call to action for Christians to live fully as Christians and to share the Gospel with others. As farmers, we can apply this to our professional lives as a call to share the good news about agriculture. Agriculture is good for Georgia, and the day is at hand for us to make sure everyone in our state realizes this. We must be ambassadors for our industry and speak up for ourselves. You, as a farmer and Farm Bureau member, can let agriculture’s light shine. Let’s put on the armor of light and live every day to its fullest.
GFB President Zippy Duvall talks with Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle.
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International demand driving pecan market By Jay Stone __________________________________________________________________________
12 / July 2010
Photo by Jennifer Whittaker
practices, grafting, fertilization and pesticide application, as well as offering growers a chance to kick the tires on the latest cultivation and harvesting equipment. The idea exchange was a key component of the event. “With the almond industry, for example, they’re grown in one or two states, so they can get together and they can stay powerful and they can speak with a bigger voice,” said Southern Pecan Growers Association President Gary Underwood. “When you have pecans grown from California to North Carolina, it’s hard to keep everybody together. We try to spend more emphasis on doing projects together, marketing the pecans together and that kind of stuff.”
Photo by Jay Stone
T
he word pecan is derived from an Algonquin word meaning nut requiring a stone to crack. While pecan growers in the South have mastered producing the popular nut, they’re looking for the right stone to break the shell on how to market them beyond U.S. borders, said officials at the Georgia Pecan Growers Association Annual Conference and Trade Show, held May 5 and 6 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry. The United States produces more than 80 percent of the world’s pecans, and as global awareness of the nut’s nutritional benefits grows, so do the opportunities to market them overseas. “The demand has just skyrocketed,” said GPGA President Hilton Segler. “People around the world don’t know what pecans are. They’re used to walnuts and things like that. To go to a food show in India or China or South Korea and have people come by your booth and pick up a nut and smell it … they don’t have any idea what it is. So the health consciousness of the world has created a large demand.” Segler said the GPGA has been marketing the nuts in China for the past four years, and more trips to China, Singapore, India and South Korea are in the works, for marketing and to exchange ideas and practices with growers and processors in those countries. “I think (China) is a big opportunity for Georgia growers to take advantage of a new market,” said Mitchell County Young Farmer Chair Lanair Worsham. “We did a little bit of trading [with China] last year, not directly, but through some people, and we were very satisfied with the results. Like I said it’s just a new opportunity that we need to take advantage of, because it may not be here forever.” The trade conference and trade show offered tips on orchard thinning, irrigation
A patron looks over a new tree shaker during the Georgia Pecan Growers Association Trade Show. Georgia Farm Bureau News
By Jennifer Whittaker ___________________________________
H
aving a stable and effective farm policy is crucial to the economic success of rural communities, Georgia Farm Bureau member and Worth County Farm Bureau Director Johnny Cochran said while testifying at the farm bill hearing held by the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry in Washington, D.C., June 30. “The production, processing and marketing of peanuts and cotton are the cornerstones of the economy in my rural home county,” Cochran, of Sylvester, said. “That’s why a predictable and stable farm policy is important to me and my neighbors.” In his written testimony submitted to the Senate Agriculture Committee, Cochran explained that farms and businesses directly involved in the production, distribution and processing of cotton employ almost 21,000 workers throughout Georgia and produce direct business revenue of $2.6 billion. Georgia’s peanut industry employs about 50,000 workers and adds $2 billion in direct revenue to Georgia’s economy, Cochran stated in his written testimony. Cochran testified at the invitation of Sen. Saxby Chambliss, ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Cochran, a fourth generation cotton and peanut producer who also raises timber and cattle on his family farm, has farmed through six farm bills. “When it comes to farming, Johnny is the real deal,” Sen. Chambliss said when introducing Cochran at the hearing. “He does get dirt under his fingernails and is extremely active in agriculture.” Cochran told the Senate Agriculture Committee that to be effective, federal farm policy must be market-oriented, allow for full production, provide a predictable, effective financial safety net, ensure the availability of competitively priced peanuts and cotton to domestic and international end-users and should allow participation without regard to farm size or structure.
Georgia Farm Bureau News
Georgia Farm Bureau member Johnny Cochran (center) testifies before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry regarding the effectiveness of the current farm bill during a hearing held June 30 in Washington, D.C.
“The 2008 farm bill made historic changes to payment limitations and program eligibility. I understand these reforms, but commercial-size, [family-owned] farming operations like mine need to be eligible for farm programs, ” Cochran said. While testifying, Cochran explained why the marketing loan program is so important to cotton and peanut producers saying, “It gives lenders the confidence to provide operating loans, and it provides growers the opportunity to make orderly marketing decisions.” When answering a follow-up question about marketing loans from Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), Cochran further explained saying, “Marketing loan programs for cot-
ton and peanuts are very important to us because it allows us to market our crops over a nine-month period and to have cash flow as we harvest our crops.” Cochran asked the Senate Agriculture Committee to include language in the next farm bill that will ensure the USDA implements the peanut marketing loan program as Congress intended it to. “Unfortunately, the [peanut] marketing loan has not functioned as it was intended because USDA has not followed the Committee’s direction to consider international prices when calculating the peanut loan repayment rate. Thus, the USDA repayment rate we see on Tuesday afternoon is not accurate,” Cochran said. “I ask the See HEARING next page
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July 2010 / 13
Photo courtesy of AFBF
GFB member testifies at Senate Farm Bill Hearing
Beef producers seek to boost bottom line Article & photo by Jay Stone ___________________________________
A
s beef producers search for ways to improve their bottom line, branding beef is one way for ranchers to generate more revenue. That was the message Angus and Hereford marketing representatives told producers attending the 49th Annual Georgia Cattlemen’s Association (GCA) Convention and Beef Expo. “The idea of a branded beef program is to take a quality product and get more revenue for it, to differentiate it from the commodity product in the marketplace and get the consumer to pay more for that,” said Marshall Ernst, president of Certified Hereford Beef LLC. “That [money] should flow all the way back through the supply chain.” Ernst said that while retail chains selling commodity beef are reluctant in a tough economy to initiate sales of a more expensive product, the ones already selling branded beef are succeeding. In a separate session, UGA Extension Economist Dr. Curt Lacy offered information on innovative livestock marketing techniques. HEARING from page 13 Committee to include language in the next farm bill that will assure that the prices our international competitors are selling peanuts for will be considered in establishing the repayment rate.” Cochran also gave testimony regarding crop insurance saying, “Crop insurance is an essential risk management tool for producers. I believe crop insurance should always be considered a complement to good commodity programs, not a substitute.” In his submitted written testimony, Cochran elaborated on the issue of crop insurance recommending that the USDA Risk Management Agency adopt rate-setting procedures that recognize the investments growers make to reduce risk and reward farmers who use risk-reduc14 / July 2010
Georgia cattle producers attend a seminar about increasing profit using a branded beef program during the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Convention and Beef Expo.
A 45-day weaning program was detailed by Tommy Baxley of Laura’s Lean Beef. Baxley said the company’s calves receive the initial and booster vaccinations, and the calves gain an average of 1 1/2 to 2 pounds per day under that program. “That can definitely be the difference in profitability,” Baxley said. The convention provided one-stop ing production practices such as planting improved varieties and utilizing good soil and water conservation practices to increase productivity. Cochran also recommended that the final planting date for peanuts be extended beyond the current deadline of May 31 since University of Georgia research has shown later planting dates for peanuts offer advantages in crop quality. “We appreciate Sen. Chambliss asking Johnny to testify before the Senate Agriculture Committee regarding how the current farm bill affects Georgia’s cotton and peanut farmers,” Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said. “This is a busy time of year for row crop farmers, and we appreciate Johnny leaving his farm to testify in Washington.”
shopping for cattlemen interested in getting up-to-date information on their industry or buying cattle. Held April 1-3 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry, the event featured Pfizer Cattlemen’s College seminars on six different topics along with a display of the latest ranch equipment and livestock sales. The GCA installed Bill Bryan, the vice president of Chattooga County Farm Bureau, as its new president. Bryan, who succeeds William Nutt, operates a 400head cattle farm in Summerville with his wife Nanette. “It’s our hope that when you leave here you can take something home with you that you can use in your operation,” Bryan said. Dr. Dennis Hancock of the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences gave a presentation on forage research, including ways to improve the nutritional value of hay. The convention also offered Cattlemen’s College sessions on animal health, environmental stewardship, developing heifers for reproductive success and an update on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association from NCBA President Steve Fogelsong. Georgia Farm Bureau News
Premise liability 102
Agritourism operators: Do you have adequate insurance coverage?
By Leanna Sherman ___________________________________ Farmers are faced with financial challenges that have left them searching for ways to generate new revenue. Many farmers have recognized the need to diversify their operations in order to survive in our current economy. For some, agritourism has become a viable revenue source. Some common examples of agritourism include but are not limited to: you-pick operations; roadside stands; farm tours and field trips; petting zoos; corn mazes; hay rides; and hunting. The key thing to keep in mind as you consider whether to open your premises to the public is that your liability exposure will increase, and you, as the landowner, have a greater responsibility to warn guests of potential hazards and repair deficiencies. Once you decide to offer agritourism activities, you should schedule a meeting with your local insurance agent to review your farmowner insurance policy to determine whether it covers the agritourism activities you plan to offer. For insurance purposes, the Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual and Casualty Insurance Companies define agritourism as activities offered for a fee or charge that allow members of the public to use, view or enjoy agricultural property, machinery, resources, goods, domesticated and wild animals and history or culture on said property for recreational, entertainment or educational purposes. GFB farm policies generally provide coverage for visitors who come onto a farm to take a tour as long as no fee is charged. Retail or wholesale activities other than farming, processing operations that alter a Georgia Farm Bureau News
product from its natural state and agritourism are generally considered a commercial endeavor and require coverage beyond a farm policy. Depending on the size and nature of the agritourism activity you offer, coverage may be available by adding an endorsement to your farmowner policy. Endorsements are a means of altering, adding or removing unnecessary coverage from the policy. They allow an insurance company the ability to alter a policy to fit the needs of you, the insured. If it is determined that the agritourism activities you plan to offer are not eligible for coverage under the farmowner policy, coverage may be written under a commercial or brokerage policy. Georgia Farm Bureau’s Commercial Package Policy is designed to cover an array of exposures including farm-oriented risks that do not fit within the farm program due to the commercial nature of the exposure. The insurance rate will normally be based on receipts, number of attendees, acreage and possibly the number of locations. It is recommended that records be kept in the event that a commercial policy is needed. Exposures that do not meet the eligibility requirements for GFB’s Farm Package Policy or Commercial Package Policy may be considered for coverage through the Georgia Farm Bureau Brokerage Company, Inc. Once you have identified how you will cover your exposures you must next deter-
mine the limits needed to provide adequate protection. You may want to consider requesting higher liability limits or medical payment (med pay) limits when you have an exposure with the public. Medical payments provide coverage to third parties injured on your premises regardless of fault. Med pay is intended to cover expenses incurred for first aid, medical bills, emergency transportation, etc. The higher the med pay limits the more able you may be to deflect a liability claim. If the underlying limits offered by your insurance company do not provide adequate protection, consider umbrella coverage. An umbrella provides excess coverage above your underlying coverage. Another consideration for asset protection would be to incorporate your business. If this is of interest to you it is recommended that you contact your lawyer for discussion. The decision to open your land to the public should be given great thought. Consider your risk exposure and plan for ways to reduce it. Too often, claims are denied because the insurance company was not aware of an exposure and was not able to offer coverage options to the insured. It is very important to notify your agent of any changes to your exposure, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Leanna Sherman is the Underwriting Manager of the GFB Mutual Insurance Company.
Photo: Thinkstock
Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of articles the GFB News is running to address issues associated with premise liability. The first article, “Premise Liability 101: GFB workshop addresses premise liability issues” ran in the May/June issue and provided an overview of premise liability and state laws that offer limited protection. Future articles will explore other insurance issues related to premise liability.
July 2010 / 15
Tour participants take a close look at tobacco plants at the Bowen Farm.
Annual tobacco tour displays crop research
Article & photo by Jay Stone _______________________________________________________ Faced with severe market conditions, tobacco producers continue to search for ways to improve their product. The 2010 Georgia-Florida Tobacco Tour visited 11 farm sites from June 14-16 and covered tillage, pest control, Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) control and variety tests being conducted by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. The goal of the tour was to provide the latest research information to representatives of the various segments of the tobacco industry, from marketing companies to growers. “We work with extension agents who work with farmers in their own counties,” said Tobacco Extension Agronomist J. Michael Moore. “Sometimes we have a new practice or technique that we’d like to make sure growers are aware of, and there’s no better way than to go to their farm and install those
treatments in their fields and have them watch and talk to their neighbors about it. So it’s a great way to communicate new information with our growers, and the growers will take care of communicating with their neighbors at the store or at church.“ With the tobacco industry awaiting Food and Drug Administration regulations, tobacco companies are scaling back their inventories and producers are scaling back their acreage, placing a premium on maximizing quality. “Companies have made the point with their prices and with their contracts that they prefer the high quality tobacco Georgia is known for,” Moore said. “Tobacco that grades first and second quality will see very high prices among the companies. Tobacco that has black, brown, green and red parts in it will grade lower, third and fourth quality. The companies have made a point that they have enough of that in inventory already and they prefer not to buy. So if they buy it, it’ll be at a much lower price. “ Moore said that because of pending FDA regulations on tobacco, companies have reduced their inventories from three years’ worth of tobacco to just over one year’s worth, hoping to avoid being stuck with tobacco they cannot sell. At the Hendley Farm in Berrien County, UGA Extension Pathologist Paul Bertrand said the plants responded well to strip tillage and that weather factors can be used to predict TSWV, a disease transmitted to plants by thrips. At the UGA Tifton Campus Bowen Farm, six different pesticide treatments were evaluated at multiple concentrations in three different application methods: tray drench, transplant water and foliar sprays. Among them, DuPont’s Coragen was particularly effective for controlling a wide variety of pests, and limiting the presence of TSWV. Moore made a point to recommend that producers limit their use of maleic hydrazide (MH30) to prevent residual MH30 from reaching the market. “Growers should use the labeled rate of one gallon of product per acre,” Moore said. “We need to minimize the MH residues to maintain our market throughout the world.”
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a clarification on June 22 regarding its proposed rules regarding airline travel that among other things would have imposed onboard restrictions for serving peanuts as snacks. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood notified multiple Congressmen, including Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.), that the DOT would comply with the provisions of Public Law 106-69. The law specifies that airlines will not be required to provide peanut-restricted areas on their aircraft until 90 days after the submission to Congress and the Secretary of Transportation of peer-reviewed scientific studies that determine “there are severe reactions by passengers to peanuts as a result of contact with very small airborne peanut particles of the kind that passengers might encounter on an aircraft.” The notice of proposed rulemaking was issued on June 8, 16 / July 2010
and on June 10 Rep. Bishop sent a letter to LaHood reminding him that the law prohibits DOT from specifically banning peanuts on airplanes. “This is great news for all peanut producers, especially those in Georgia. We have a long and proud history of peanuts in Georgia, and it has been a privilege to do all I can to protect this vital part of our state’s economy,” Bishop said. To submit a comment on the DOT’s proposed rule, please visit www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#documentD etail?R=0900006480afe2f8, then click the “submit comment” link. The DOT is accepting public comments on the proposed rule on enhancing airline passenger protections through Aug. 9.
Photo: Thinkstock
DOT delays proposed peanut ban on airlines
Georgia Farm Bureau News
Georgia farmers will have the option to buy crop insurance to cover loss of production for pastures, rangeland and forage in 2011 due to lack of rain. The signup deadline is Sept. 30, 2010.
Sept. 30 deadline to buy Pasture, Rangeland & Forage Crop Insurance for 2011
Article & photo by Jennifer Whittaker __________________________________________________________________________ The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) recently announced that the Pasture, Rangeland and Forage Rainfall Index (PRF RI) Pilot Insurance Program will be offered in Georgia for the 2011 crop year. Georgia farmers interested in purchasing the insurance coverage have until Sept. 30, 2010, to sign up for the program said RMA Valdosta Regional Office Deputy Director Robert Ibarra. This program will be administered through crop insurance agents and offers coverage for loss of production due to lack of rain only. It does not provide coverage for loss due to other circumstances, such as armyworm damage. PRF RI payments will be determined by a RI that will be based on the deviation from normal precipitation within a 12x12 mile grid area for a specific time period selected by the producer. Producers will be asked to select at least two, 2-month time periods when rain is important to their operation. The RI uses National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center data going back to 1948. Coverage will not be based on rainfall received at a producer’s individual farm or specific weather stations located in the grid. Losses are calculated based on the deviation from normal precipitation for the grid and index intervals. Official rainfall records a producer may keep for a local weather station will not be used to determine a producer’s eligibility for a payment. According to the RMA, it is possible for Georgia Farm Bureau News
policyholders to have low production or low precipitation on their insured acreage and not receive a payment for lost production. The only insurable cause of loss under the PRF program is having a final grid index less than the trigger grid index. When enrolling in the PRF RI program, your crop insurance agent will ask you to select a coverage level, the time periods you want to cover your crop and a protection factor, which can range from 60 to 150. The PRF RI program was designed to give producers maximum flexibility in selecting coverage, Ibarra said. Producers are not required to insure all of their acreage and may insure only those acres that are important to their grazing program or hay operation. Producers may choose to insure grazing land, hay land or both. The crop type and number of insured acres can vary from year to year based on a producer’s intended use of the land. Producers should contact their crop insurance agent prior to the acreage reporting date each year to make the appropriate changes to the policy regarding crop types, intended use and insured acreage. Although the program doesn’t allow producers to insure acreage that is annually planted, there are provisions that allow producers to overseed established perennial pastures. Acreage enrolled in other types of USDA programs, such as the Conservation Reserve Program, is not eligible. The Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance
Company is teaming up with crop insurance company Rain & Hail to offer PRF coverage. GFB agents who wish to sell this insurance will be undergoing training through mid-August. GFB members interested in purchasing this product through a GFB agent should contact their county Farm Bureau office. If your county does not have an agent licensed to sell crop insurance you may purchase a PRF policy through a licensed GFB agent in another county. Call Rain & Hail at 800-538-8020 if you need assistance in finding an agent near you. Anyone wanting more information may also visit http://www.rma.usda.gov or contact their local crop insurance agent.
July 2010 / 17
Ga. pork producers hold annual conference Article & photo by Jennifer Whittaker __________________________________________________________________________
CAES Dean warns some Extension offices may close Although the University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (CAES) avoided the drastic budget cuts proposed in early March during state budget negotiations, CAES officials are facing the possibility of closing some county Extension offices, CAES Dean Dr. Scott Angle said while addressing the annual Georgia Pork Producers Meeting held in Macon, June 16. “We most likely will be closing some Extension offices around the state. We’re great believers in the county Extension office model, but when you lose one out of five employees you have to change your model,” Angle said. “We may have some offices where we just have a secretary sitting in the office to take phone calls and direct them to specialists and other agents and take soil samples. This would allow us to keep offices open so that if the economy does get better we can put agents back in them.” Angle told the pork producers that
the CAES is also looking at ways to join forces with other states to trade agricultural research projects in light of tighter budgets. “As a land-grant university I don’t think we can continue to be everything to everyone. There is lots of expertise outside of the state of Georgia, and we’re looking at ways to tap into that,” Angle said. “In the case of swine [research] we’re looking at joining up with North Carolina State. They don’t have the extensive poultry research we do.” Angle also encouraged farmers to start talking to their U.S. representatives about the next farm bill. “We as an agricultural community need to be getting our message out to USDA and Congress that while we think local and organic production is wonderful, we’re not going to feed the world using local and organic production alone,” Angle said. “Making the USDA understand that we need a balanced approach to food production is crucial.”
The new farrow-to-finish swine facility under construction at the UGA Double Bridges Farm at the border of Clarke and Oglethorpe counties should be completed by mid-August barring delays from the weather or the delivery of equipment and supplies, said Dr. Robert Dove, a member of the UGA Animal and Dairy Science Department. The facility will initially house 60 sows in five groups of 12. Dove estimates that in eight months to a year the facility will expand to a capacity of 100 sows divided into five groups of 20. The weaning schedule will be 28 days. Manure management research will also be conducted at the facility.
Update on NPB programs Dove also discussed quality assurance programs the National Pork Board (NPB) has implemented to ensure that pork 18 / July 2010
is produced responsibly and safely. One of these programs is the Pork Quality Assurance Plus program first introduced in 2007. The program has three components – producer training and certification, site status for farms and potential third party audits of pork farms. Most producers have been certified through the program, Dove said. By Dec. 31 the NPB wants all pork producers to have obtained site status, which is an inspection certification showing that farmers are producing swine responsibly and taking care of their animals. To obtain site status the production site must first be identified with a National Animal Identification System premises i.d. number. Dove said Georgia producers may obtain their numbers from the Georgia Department of Agriculture or APHIS office in Conyers. “Once you have site status you have it
Photo: Thinkstock
UGA swine facility almost finished
for three years and it can’t be revoked if a problem arises with your Pork Quality Assurance Plus inspection,” Dove said. Pork producers with questions about the PQA Plus program or who are interested in obtaining site status may contact Dove at 706-583-0796. NPB Representative Ben Vainner overviewed NPB promotion efforts. This fall the NPB will launch a promotion campaign called Pick Up Pork that will include a partnership with the Kroger grocery store chain. The NPB is also conducting a campaign called We Care to increase consumers’ confidence and trust in pork producers. Georgia Farm Bureau News
Photo By Stephanie Schupska/UGA
UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences researchers Franklin West (left) and Steve Stice used pigs to successfully create stem cells that can turn into any type of cell in the body, which could hold the key to treating diabetes and other diseases.
UGA research could help treat diabetes & other diseases By Faith Peppers __________________________________________________________________________
I
n May, two University of Georgia animal science researchers introduced 13 pigs to the world that may hold the key to new therapies to treat human diseases, including diabetes. The discovery marks the first time pluripotent stem cells, or cells that can turn into any type of cell in the body, have been created from adult livestock. “We now for the first time have a method to make pigs that can be a source of cells and organs for regenerative medicine in a meaningful way,” said Steven L. Stice, a Georgia Research Alliance eminent scholar in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He also directs UGA’s Regenerative Bioscience Center. The technique called induced pluripotent stem cells had only previously been shown to make live offspring in mice. “These pig-induced pluripotent cellgenerated animals can eventually be used to provide and search for better therapies and cures for human disease and degenerative conditions,” Stice said. The discovery is a new tool for researchers who need to determine which sources of cells, adult or earlier stages such as embryGeorgia Farm Bureau News
onic or induced pluripotent stem cells, will work best for each disease.
Better source of cells, organs
The induced pluripotent stem cell piglets were born in September 2009 at Wisconsin-based company Minitube of America, Inc., according to project collaborator John R. Dobrinsky. Minitube is a biotechnology company specializing in artificial reproduction biotechnologies and cell biology. The process used avoids the more problematic and controversial cloning process while making it easier to make the genetic changes necessary to develop pigs as a better source of cells and organs for transplantation. “Although induced pluripotent stem cell technology was first successful in mice, the mouse isn’t always a good model to study human disease, and they are not a good source of tissue and organs for therapy,” Stice said. “Pigs are often the best way to go.” Pigs are biologically and physiologically very similar to humans and are prone to develop many of the same health problems as humans, Dobrinsky said.
Stice credits Franklin West, an assistant research scientist, with perfecting the method. “I’ve worked on this for about 20 years,” Stice said. “Franklin found the way to make it work.” The pluripotent stem cells incorporated naturally into the developing fetuses and contributed to the development of many cell types of the body, such as lungs, kidney, heart, skin or muscle, producing healthy piglets, West said. A very high percentage of the animals produced using this new method - 80 percent - are a product of these stem cells. This cellular experiment demonstrates proof of concept by injecting pig-induced pluripotent cells into early pig embryos, Dobrinsky said.
Type I diabetes treatment
The new process will be valuable for a research project underway in partnership with Emory University to find better therapies for diabetes. “Islets that produce insulin and other hormones related to regulating blood sugar are found in the pancreas,” Stice explained. “It is well-known that porcine islet cells could be a major breakthrough in the treatment of Type I (juvenile) diabetes if they were not rejected by the human immune system. This new method will allow researchers to make the necessary genetic changes to dampen or potentially eliminate the rejection of the new stem cells and then we can make animals from these stem cells.”
Economic, environmental impacts
Another goal, Stice said, is for the research to lead the way to healthier, more environmentally friendly and disease-resistant livestock, and ones that could help reduce poverty or starvation in developing countries. Once the new pigs reach sexual maturity and Stice and West determine if the pigs produce viable sperm and egg cells, they can begin naturally mating. The offspring of the current pigs will produce the cells needed to move into the therapy stage and clinical trials. Faith Peppers is a news editor with the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. July 2010 / 19
AROUND GEORGIA News from County Farm Bureaus
BEN HILL COUNTY The Ben Hill County Farm Bureau hosted a member appreciation picnic in April for their members. BHCFB members Pete Clark and Jason Cleghorn grilled burgers and hot dogs, and member Ronny Aycock displayed his beautiful 1957 Chevy. BHCFB President Milton Huggins, Office Manager Karen Clark, Agency Manager Jay Cooper and Agent Beau Luckie greeted members as they arrived. About 75 people attended the event. Georgia Farm Bureau Director of Member Services Jay Murdock discussed the benefits of Farm Bureau membership, and three new members were signed up during the event. BHCFB also invited GFB Underwriters Jennifer Anderson, Roberta Faulk, Tiffany Gillian and Marcia Livingston to the event so they could see the interaction between county staff and members. Pictured from left are: Huggins, Murdock, Pete Clark, Luckie, Livingston, Cooper, Anderson, Aycock, Faulk, Gillian and Karen Clark. CHATTOOGA COUNTY About 500 students in Chattooga County have a better understanding of agriculture thanks to the annual Ag Day that the Chattooga County Farm Bureau held in May. CCFB members talked to secondgraders, kindergarteners and pre-school students about numerous aspects of farming including bees, soil nutrients and caring for farm animals. CCFB Young Farmer Christy Bryan (pictured) played a game with students to teach them about the many products that come directly or indirectly from farms. CRAWFORD COUNTY Crawford County Farm Bureau held its annual Farm Day at Crawford County Elementary School in April attended by approximately 650 students in pre-K through 3rd grade. CCFB volunteers manned 21 educational stations that covered goats, 20 / July 2010
llamas, alpacas, fish, dairy and beef cows, mules, donkeys, horses, emu, hogs, sheep, vegetables, forestry and farm equipment. Students were also able to see volunteers operate a gristmill and learn how corn is ground into grits and meal. Each teacher was given gift bags filled with items and activities promoting agriculture. CCFB Women’s Chair Betty Harris is shown talking to the students about vegetables. EMANUEL COUNTY From the end of February until May, these students in Kristi Flowers’ fifthgrade social studies class at David Emanuel Academy studied the importance of farming. The class applied for the Governor’s Agriculture Awareness Observance Award and was recognized as one of the 10 finalists. At the end of the school year, the class visited Flowers’ farm where they dug potatoes, picked squash and prepared them for eating. The Emanuel County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee assisted Flowers with her agriculture project and helped furnish each student a No Farms, No Food t-shirt and certificate of participation. FAYETTE COUNTY Fayette County Farm Bureau recently recognized Travis Hardy as the recipient of its Farmer of the Year Award during its annual Farmer Appreciation Day Dinner. Hardy has farmed in Fayette County all of his life, starting as a young boy working on his father’s farm. He has grown soybeans, wheat, cotton and raised cattle. He has served on the FCFB Board for almost 30 years. He served as FCFB president from 1992 until 2000. Georgia Farm Bureau News
FRANKLIN COUNTY This student was among the almost 400 students who attended the Ag Day held by the Franklin County Farm Bureau this spring. In addition to seeing baby chicks and learning about poultry, students had the opportunity to learn about pigs, goats, horses, cows, sheep, forestry, cotton and farm machinery. GILMER COUNTY Gilmer County Farm Bureau President Darrell Jones (center) presented Mariah Henderson (left) and Daisy Wright each with a $1,000 scholarship this spring. Mariah, the daughter of Jill Ponder and Timothy Henderson, plans to attend Abraham Baldwin College and major in veterinary science. Daisy, the daughter of Greg and Jill Wright, plans to attend North Georgia College and major in science. LAURENS COUNTY Laurens County Farm Bureau President James Malone recently presented June White with the county’s Distinguished Service Award in recognition of White serving as the LCFB Women’s Chairman for 34 years. She also served on the GFB Women’s Committee representing the GFB 6th District from 1985-1988 and from 1993-1996 and served as state chair from 1994-1995.
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MADISON COUNTY Madison County Farm Bureau hosted a legislative appreciation dinner in February attended by state Reps. Tom McCall and Alan Powell, state Sen. Ralph Hudgens (pictured addressing the group) and Madison County Commission Chairman Anthony Dove. Recently retired GFB Field Services Director Bob Ragsdale presented a brief program and showed GFB’s video, “Without Farmers, Georgia Can’t Grow.” MCFB Directors and their spouses, the vocational agriculture teachers and the Madison County Extension coordinator also attended the event. POLK COUNTY For the past 10 years, Polk County Farm Bureau has supported the Renaissance Program, which offers special educational opportunities for honor students in the Polk County School system. PCFB has hosted numerous events to educate the students about agriculture and donated ag education materials including the GFB Ag activity maps, ag bookmarks and the “Without Farmers, Georgia Can’t Grow” video. This spring, PCFB Office Manager Sue Cuzzort (pictured at left) attended a lunch to honor Renaissance Program supporters.
TALIAFERRO COUNTY Cyclists in Taliaferro County are safer thanks to information they learned at the 3rd Annual Taliaferro County Farm Bureau Bicycle Rodeo in April. The event began with short classes about bicycle safety, physical exercise and good nutrition habits. Then, A.H. Stephens State Park Manager Andre McLendon led all 60 riders, from parents to 4-year old children, on a tour of the park. Along the way, participants stopped at checkpoints where volunteers quizzed the riders on bicycle safety facts they learned in the classes. Each child received a bicycle helmet and a Farm Bureau bag packed with gifts. Bike-oriented door prizes were awarded including a new 24” bicycle. July 2010 / 21
Ag Career Day highlights opportunities Article & photo by Jay Stone ___________________________________
G
eorgia Department of Labor Employer Marketing Representative Crucita Dansby urges students to come up with their own personal tag line to promote themselves to prospective employers. If the Newton County Farm Bureau Ag Career Day had a tag line, the word opportunity almost certainly would be included. Held May 20 at the Covington FFA/FCCLA Camp, the event gave students from high schools in Newton County face-to-face contact with prospective employers, colleges with agriculture-related curriculum and Dansby’s training on self-presentation. “We wanted to expose local seniors and FFA members to agricultural-related occupations that are out there,” said Newton County Farm Bureau Vice President Chuck Berry. “We wanted to give them a chance outside the school setting to see what’s available in Newton and surrounding counties for jobs, whether it’s after college or after high school.” The event drew approximately 80 high school juniors and seniors and gave them the chance to connect with 22 prospective employers with ties to agriculture, as well as representatives from the University of Georgia, Fort Valley State, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Troy State, DeKalb Tech and Nashville Auto Diesel College. “The idea was to make the students aware of careers available to them in areas of agriculture, which is really really broad,” said Newton County Schools Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator Cynthia Marvel. “This gives them an opportunity to see how broad the career opportunities are.” The prospective employers included seed companies, government agencies like the Georgia Forestry Commission and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and ag advocacy organizations like Georgia Farm Bureau. Dansby’s seminar attempted to push 22 / July 2010
Fort Valley State University Agricultural Education Professor Curtis Borne used a bass to get students’ attention during the Ag Career Day hosted by Newton County Farm Bureau.
students past their insecurities enough that they could talk about themselves during job interviews. “That’s the hardest thing to do when you’re going for an interview is to be able to talk about yourself,” Dansby said. “I always tell them to get a tag line … that means tell me something about yourself that makes you stand above everybody else.” According to Dennis Brooks of the NRCS, the importance of events like the one in Covington can’t be overstated. While the potential career connections
were the main thrust, Brooks hoped the event would also serve to reinforce other messages of conservation the students were hearing. “It’s important for kids to know about conservation and the environment,” Brooks said. “A lot of our local farmers today know that once they pass or move on, most of the kids in generations to come are not going to adopt their love for the land. That’s the reason it’s very important to show these kids that agriculture is vital to our survival in the U.S.”
“Futures at a Glance” A great tool for Farm Bureau members! We will send a text message with the spot and harvest month prices for Cotton, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans and relevant pricing months for Feeder Cattle. Stop by your county Farm Bureau office to sign up! Contact the GFB Commodities
Department at
800-342-1196 or go to www.gfb.org for information Georgia Farm Bureau News
GFB members learn about ag promotion & farm safety Article & photo by Jennifer Whittaker ___________________________________
Georgia Farm Bureau members attending the GFB Education Leadership Conference in Augusta in March learned new ways to promote agriculture and increase farm safety. Joy Carter, with the Georgia Peanut Commission, educated GFB members about the state’s peanut industry and gave pointers on talking to kids about peanuts. GFB is promoting peanuts as the state commodity from July to June 2011. In other workshops, GFB members learned how to educate kids about farming. GFB 3rd District Women’s Committee Chair Sandi Mitcham recommended books that accurately portray agriculture for reading to students or donating to school libraries. Crawford County Farm Bureau Office Manager Rena Booker encouraged members to visit their local elementary schools to talk about agriculture. She recommended members ask a teacher or principal they know to set up a visit. GFB 6th District Field Representative Don Giles encouraged GFB members to show the GFB video, “Without Farmers, Georgia Can’t Grow” to local civic club meetings to increase public awareness of agriculture. He also gave tips for presenting the video, such as giving the audience a pretest before the video and giving away an ag-related doorprize to the person with the most correct answers. Dr. Glen Raines, a UGA professor who specializes in farm safety, stressed the importance of keeping a first aid kit in every vehicle, piece of equipment and building on the farm. He encouraged farmers to develop an emergency plan for their farm that includes a list of emergency contacts for every family member and farm employee, medical histories for every family member and employee and contact information for businesses such as vets, equipment dealers and chemical suppliers who might be able to assist with emergencies involving animals, equipment or pesticides. Raines also encouraged farmers to draw a map of their farm that outlines roads that run through the property and buildings where livestock or chemicals are kept. Raines recommended having emergency personnel visit the farm to review your map with you to discuss how they would respond to potential farm accidents. Georgia Farm Bureau News
Pictured from left, Macon County Farm Bureau member Kim Brown and GFB 7th District Women’s Chair Shirley Jarriel presented a workshop, “Crop Scene Investigation” highlighting Ag in the Classroom activities that can be used during school visits to interest students in agriculture. Assisting with the activity were Emma O’Neal, GFB 2nd District Women’s Chair Charlotte Ward, GFB Women’s Committee Chair Cathy Barber and Avis McGahee.
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July 2010 / 23
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